Incident Support and Resources

The safety and wellbeing of the people involved always comes first. When Australian Taekwondo (AT) or a State Member Association becomes aware of an incident, we will:

• Make sure everyone is safe. Where a child may be at risk or a crime may have occurred, the matter is referred to police and/or the relevant child protection agency.
• Refer it to the right body. Taekwondo has adopted the National Integrity Framework. Matters under its policies (Child Safeguarding, Member Protection, Competition Manipulation and Sports Wagering, Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine, and Complaints, Disputes and Discipline) are managed independently by Sport Integrity Australia. Other matters (such as Codes of Conduct or personal grievances) are managed by AT.
• Take interim steps where needed. Under the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy, provisional action – such as a provisional suspension – can be taken to protect members while a matter is investigated.
• Support the club and the people involved. We work with the club and State Association to support affected members, and keep information confidential and handled in line with our Privacy Policy.

Investigations take time, and we may not be able to share all details of a matter. We will keep the people directly involved informed wherever we can.

Incidents can be distressing for everyone at a club, including the people who have to respond to them. Support available includes:

• Australian Taekwondo National Office – for guidance on our policies, your obligations and next steps. Contact us via integrity@austkd.com.au or our contact page.
• Your State Member Association – for local support and advice.
• Sport Integrity Australia – free safeguarding education and advice on sportintegrity.gov.au or the Safe Sport Hotline on 1800 161 361.
• Wellbeing support – Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) offer free, confidential support 24/7. See Support services below.

If a child or young person tells you about something that has happened, or you need to talk with them after an incident:

• Stay calm, listen and let them speak in their own words.
• Tell them you believe them and that it is not their fault, and thank them for telling you.
• Don’t promise to keep it a secret – explain that you may need to tell people who can help keep them safe.
• Don’t question them in detail or investigate yourself; that is the job of police or child protection.
• Write down what was said, as soon as possible and in their words, then report it.

The National Office for Child Safety’s guide to having conversations with children and young people has practical, age-appropriate advice for preschoolers, school-age children and teenagers.

For further advice, Bravehearts (1800 272 831) supports adults concerned about a child, and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) is available 24/7 for young people aged 5 to 25.

Who handles your concern depends on the policy it relates to:

• Sport Integrity Australia handles matters under the National Integrity Framework policies, including child safeguarding and member protection. You can make a formal complaint or an anonymous report: make an integrity complaint or report.
• Australian Taekwondo handles matters under our Codes of Conduct, Personal Grievances, Social Media and Privacy policies.

Our Lodge a Complaint page explains both options and links to the right form. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

This is your decision. Letting your child’s school know can help teachers and school wellbeing staff understand changes in your child’s behaviour and offer extra support. Before you do, consider:

• your child’s wishes and their right to privacy
• sharing only what the school needs to know to support your child
• whether police or child protection have asked you to keep any details confidential while they investigate.

School counsellors and psychologists are a good source of ongoing support for many children and young people.

Yes. If you would like to move to a different club, contact your State Member Association or the AT National Office and we can help you find an affiliated club near you. You can also search for clubs using our club finder.

When choosing a new club, our Checklist for Selecting a Safe Taekwondo Club can help you ask the right questions – for example, whether instructors hold a current Working with Children Check and whether the club has adopted the National Integrity Framework.